Day 4: Climb to Shira Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today is a shorter day that starts with climbing up a steep ridge to a small cliff named Picnic Rock. Climbers will start in the moorland zone which is above the rainforest and clouds. As our climbers hike up the steep ridge, they’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Machame Camp and Machame Village. The air will become increasingly thin as they reach the halfway point and vegetation will slowly give way to black lava and sand. The trail continues up and up pst small mountain streams, rocky walls, and deep ravines. Shira Camp is in the middle of the Shira Plateau. Climbers will have views of Mount Meru and Kibo from camp is the weather is good!!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 9,900 feet

Ending elevation 12,500 feet

Elevation gain 2,600 feet

Distance hiked 5 miles

Average hiking time 5 to 7 hours

"What's your favorite color?" John Simon (our Lead Guide) asked me.

"Teal," I answered. "And your's?"

"Green because it represents life and beginnings."

We've been surrounded by green since the start of our trek. As we left the rainforest behind (near the end of yesterday's hike), we spent the night at Machame Camp in the heather landscape elevation underneath a star-filled sky. 

The eight of us (troop nickname TBD) began our second day with an amazing multi-course breakfast as our countless porters broke down camp like a well-oiled machine. 

During the 6 hour hike to Shira Ridge, clouds rolled in, giving our hike an air of mystery--and us a welcomed break from the sun. We saw the starting effects of elevation + coffee on one group member; a waterfall perfect for a mini-modeling session for others; a rescue of a chameleon on the trail; and the best news college football had to offer--Go Dawgs!

The trail steepened today (and got a little precarious at times... don't worry Moms, we're all safe) as we walked up to and along Shira's Ridge. We climbed to 12,800 ft where trees covered in Old Man's Beard moss grew out of massive rocks, and the flowering fauna gives me flashbacks to the colorful dresses women wore on our first drive through Arusha. 

The bonds between members of our group, our porters, and nature are strengthening with every step (as are our glutes and hamstrings). John Simon is continuously teaching us about Kilimanjaro's culture, native plants, and even some Swahili--which is coming much easier to some than others. 

We are spending the night in the Shira Camp underneath the shadow of Mt. Kibo, and upon our arrival there, other tour groups broke out in traditional songs filling what would've been a dreary, raining afternoon with life!  

Day 2 on the trail made our trek even more real, but our journey is still green and just beginning. 

Until tomorrow. 

~ Alyssa